Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.: Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j: LATCH System Child
Restraints
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
d:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-17
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑55.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
with the engine off.
2. Press and release the stem in the lower center of the
instrument cluster until the OIL
LIFE message is displayed. 3. Once the alternating OIL LIFE
and RESET messages appear,
press and hold the stem until
several beeps sound. This
confirms that the oil life system
has been reset.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑12.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico: 01-800-466-0800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.
Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
5-18 Instruments and Controls
When the Light Flashes First and
Then is On Steady
This indicates that there may be a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System. The light flashes
for about a minute and stays on
steady for the remainder of the
ignition cycle. This sequence
repeats with every ignition cycle.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 10‑56 for more
information.Engine Oil Pressure Light
{WARNING
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check
the oil as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule for changing engine oil. This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and it might
have some other system problem.
Security Light
For information regarding this light
and the vehicle's security system,
see
Anti-Theft Alarm System on
page 2‑9.
Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
5-24 Instruments and Controls
Door Ajar Messages
DOORS
This message displays when one or
more of the doors is ajar. Check all
the doors on your vehicle to make
sure they are closed. The message
clears from the display after all of
the doors are closed.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
AC (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
high and the air conditioning in your
vehicle needs to be turned off. See
Engine Overheating on page 10‑23
andClimate Control Systems on
page 8‑1 for more information. This
message displays along with the
ENG HOT message.
ENG (Engine) HOT
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is hot.
Check the engine coolant
temperature gauge. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge on
page 5‑9. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer as soon as
possible if you suspect the engine is
overheating. See Engine
Overheating on page 10‑23 for more
information.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE OIL
This message displays when the oil
needs to be changed. Check the oil
in your vehicle as soon as possible
and have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer. See Engine Oil on
page 10‑9 andScheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2 for more
information. Press and release the
reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the
display.
OIL
This message displays when the oil
pressure is low. See Engine Oil
Pressure Light on page 5‑18 and
Engine Oil on page 10‑9 for more
information.
Engine Power Messages
REDUCED POWER
This message displays when the
vehicle's engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there
is no reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible. Press and release
Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-7
A. Windshield Washer Fluid. See“Adding Washer Fluid” under
Washer Fluid on page 10‑26.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑19.
C. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑17.
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine compartment).
See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑25. E. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“Checking the Fluid Level”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑13.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
G. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 10‑18.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). See Jump Starting on
page 10‑86. I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑86.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid on page 10‑28.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑41.
M. Battery on page 10‑30.
N. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See Hydraulic
Clutch on page 10‑17.
Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-9
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑17.
B. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑17.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑26.
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑19.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“Checking the Fluid Level”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑13.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid on page 10‑28. I.
Battery on page 10‑30.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑25.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑41.
L. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 10‑18.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil.”
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil.”
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do With
Used Oil.”
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow
loop. See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10‑6 for the
location of the engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking your oil level too soon
after engine shut off will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
10-18 Vehicle Care
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi)
interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2 for more
information. If you are driving in
dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter, do the following:
1. Unfasten the clips that hold the cover on and remove the cover.
2. Lift out the engine air cleaner/ filter.
3. Inspect or replace the air filter. See Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 11‑9 to determine
which filter to use. 4. Reinstall the engine air cleaner/
filter cover. Fasten the clips to
hold the cover in place.
{WARNING
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is
off, dirt can easily get into the
engine, which could damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter
in place when you are driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
2.9 L L4 Engine Shown (3.7 L L5
Engine Similar)
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
Black plate (100,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
10-100 Vehicle Care
Interior Care
The vehicles interior will continue to
look its best if it is cleaned often.
Dust and dirt can accumulate on the
upholstery and cause damage to
the carpet, fabric, leather, and
plastic surfaces. Stains should be
removed quickly as extreme heat
could cause them to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require
more frequent cleaning.
Newspapers and garments that can
transfer color to home furnishings
can also transfer color to the
vehicles interior.
Remove dust from small buttons
and knobs with a small brush with
soft bristles.
Your dealer has products for
cleaning the vehicles interior. When
cleaning the vehicles interior, only
use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces that are being
cleaned. Permanent damage can
result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not
intended. Apply the cleaner directlyto the cleaning cloth to prevent
over-spray. Remove any accidental
over-spray from other surfaces
immediately.
Notice:
Using abrasive cleaners
when cleaning glass surfaces on
the vehicle, could scratch the
glass and/or cause damage to the
rear window defogger. When
cleaning the glass on the vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and glass
cleaner.
Cleaners can contain solvents that
can become concentrated in the
vehicles interior. Before using
cleaners, read and adhere to all
safety instructions on the label.
While cleaning the vehicles interior,
maintain adequate ventilation by
opening the vehicles doors and
windows.
Do not clean the interior using the
following cleaners or techniques:
.Never use a knife or any other
sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
.Never use a stiff brush. It can
cause damage to the vehicles
interior surfaces.
.Never apply heavy pressure or
rub aggressively with a cleaning
cloth. Use of heavy pressure can
damage the interior and does
not improve the effectiveness of
soil removal.
.Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
Avoid laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. Using too much
soap will leave a residue that
leaves streaks and attracts dirt.
For liquid cleaners, about
20 drops per 3.78 L (1 gal) of
water is a good guide.
.Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery while cleaning.
.Cleaners that contain solvents
can damage the vehicles
interior.